Lobster Moth vs Fall Webworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lobster Moth Fall Webworm
Scientific Name Stauropus fagi Hyphantria cunea
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Notodontidae Erebidae
Size 45-70 mm wingspan 25-42 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia North America, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Lobster Moth

A moth whose young caterpillar mimics an ant and mature caterpillar resembles a lobster.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar raises its swollen tail and thoracic legs in a bizarre threat display.

Fall Webworm

A native North American moth whose caterpillars build communal silk webs on tree branches. It has become invasive in Europe and Asia.

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Did You Know?

Unlike tent caterpillars, fall webworm nests enclose the foliage the larvae are feeding on.